New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. And, now that Christmas is out of the way, you’ve got plenty of time to put all of your energy into figuring out how to celebrate.
In NYC, there is no shortage of possibilities. The city is full of parties, gatherings, concerts, and more.
And, thousands of people will be braving the elements to watch the ball drop come Monday night — more than 1 million, in fact.
But, sometimes, a night out doesn’t sound like the best idea.
I mean, it sure isn’t cheap. And, then you have to add in the stress of finding a party, waiting in line, dealing with other drunk partygoers, and more.
That’s a lot to handle on a Monday night.
But, staying in is actually a pretty popular plan for many Americans.
In fact, 24% of Americans plan on staying in this New Year’s Eve.
However, that doesn’t mean that the party has to stop.
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate a day like New Year’s is with a party of your own. And, New York City is the best place to host a party — whether you’re headed to a bar, or you’re making the most out of your small NYC apartment.
But, that brings up another problem — how can you host a party when your apartment is the size of a matchbox?
Don’t stress about it. Any good guest would be happy to party wherever they can — and if they can find a place with cheap booze (BYOB, friends) and a clean bathroom, they won’t care if they have to get close to their fellow guests.
But, before you send out the invites, make sure you’re following these tips for the best NYE party the five boroughs have ever seen.
1. Make A Plan And Stick To It
Planning is key to any good party. Even if you’re the kind of person that likes to wing it, you won’t be able to pull off a successful NYE party in a tiny apartment if you wait until the last minute.
This means you have to send out the invites with plenty of time to get a response so you can plan and move things around accordingly.
You also need to know what you’re going to do when the party starts. How will you keep people entertained, hydrated, and happy?
There’s nothing worse than a dull party. And, you don’t want to be known as the boring party host that ruined New Year’s Eve.
Make a plan, stick to it, and you’ll be the host of the year.
See Also: The Last-minute Guide for Throwing a Royal Wedding Brunch Viewing Party
2. Keep Food & Drinks Simple — And Ask People To Bring Their Own Booze
When it comes to food and drinks, things can get tricky. Parties require booze and snacks. But, that doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself buying food and setting them up.
Instead, keep it simple. Most NYE parties don’t start until well after dinner, so your guests should be well fed.
Chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, popcorn, and other, easy-to-grab snacks are always a good bet. And, they’re cheap.
Plus, they require minimal effort and clean up.
But, even then, booze can be a challenge. You want to have something for your guests to grab, but you also can’t afford to go all out.
That’s why you need to make sure your guests know they should bring their own stash. This cuts down costs for you and makes sure everyone is happy.
Plus, everyone knows its customary to leave your extra booze with the host.
It’s a win-win.
See Also: This Is Why New Year’s Eve in New York City Is the Absolute Best
3. Maximize Your Space By Ditching Unnecessary Decorations And Decor
In NYC, space is limited. It’s not often you find an apartment fit for hosting guests.
Furniture takes up space and decor cramps things a bit.
But, when hosting a party, you need to make the most of all the space you have. And, it’s likely that you can’t just up and move your couch to make room.
There are a few things you can do, however.
If you have a kitchen table, move it against a wall. And, while you’re at it, get rid of any extra chairs lying around. People will be more than happy to stand (and hopefully dance).
Don’t go too crazy with decorations. They can crowd the space and make a small space look messy.
Take a minimalist approach. Make sure there is plenty of space for people to walk and move freely. And, as long as you have a few seating options, everyone will be happy with whatever they can get.
4. Buy Plenty Of Garbage Bags
This one is big. After any party, there is going to be a clean-up phase.
Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of garbage bags.
It’s also important to have your garbage can on clear display throughout the party. People are going to have cups, bottles, napkins, and more to throw out. And, you don’t want that mess piling up on your counter or worse, your floor.
Be proactive and make your life easier by having a full box of garbage bags on hand to tackle the mess that will ensue.
5. Make A Space For Coats
This one might seem silly, but it’s actually one of the most important ones.
It’s winter. And, it’s New York City. That means that it’s cold.
Everyone is going to be donning their heavy winter coats. And, those coats take up space. You don’t want your guests carrying those around with them the whole party, but you also don’t want them lying around your apartment taking up precious space.
That’s why you need to have a plan in place.
Get creative, have fun with it, and give these coats a dedicated area — one that won’t be missed.
I like to throw coats into the bathtub — it’s dry, of course.
But, it makes the most sense — it can hold all of that winter gear AND no one should be partying in the shower.
6. Play Games & Have Fun
Hosting a party can be stressful, but don’t let it ruin your night! Let loose, drink, dance, and have fun.
Have a few games on hand to get the party started. Look some up online or make use of a deck of cards for quick and easy fun.
This will help everyone loosen up and get them in the party spirit. And, when your guests are happy, you can relax and enjoy it yourself.
But, don’t stress. And, don’t overthink it. It’s New Year’s Eve. People will just be happy they get to spend time with the people they care about.
These are just a few helpful tips to make your NYE party the best it can be. Can’t wait for the invite!
